Posts Tagged ‘PPA’
2009 PPA National Poker Week
Posted by AlCantHang | Filed under Bloggers on the Rail
When I first began writing this post I had a disclaimer at the top stating that my non-US readers could probably go right by and ignore it. Then I realized that writing about the process of keeping access to online poker in the United States is important to players across the entire world.
While covering the 2009 World Series of Poker, there was an important press conference held by the Poker Players Alliance in the Rio prior to the Seniors Event. John Pappas, Executive Director of the PPA, was joined by former Senator Alfonse D’Amato and U.S. Representative Shelley Berkely who spoke about the current developments in the U.S. Congress in the battle of online poker.
The PPA also announced the creation of National Poker Week in Washington, DC. It was scheduled to begin after the 2009 World Series of Poker November Nine formed, a time when the poker world is focused. The activities began yesterday with updates from PPA and today began the big push. People from across the country spent the afternoon meeting with their congressional representatives to lobby for the game they love and the freedom to play it online. They were joined by many big poker names including Andy Bloch, Greg Raymer, and Annie Duke.
They also launched an online petition which will be presented to U.S. President Obama on Wednesday, July22nd. Full Tilt encourage all players to sign the petition and contact their Senator/House Representative to voice your feelings. Full Tilt is also helping to encourage this participation by offering a $10,000 freeroll to any player who uses the PPA website to send their thoughts. Freeroll information can be found here on the PPA website.
Please click the links below, sign the petition, email Members of Congress, fight for your game. Also below is a video from Congressman Barney Frank concerning National Poker Week.
Poker Players Alliance
Poker is Not a Crime – Poker Petition
National Poker Week
Popularity: 22% [?]
Tags: AlCantHang, Andy Bloch, Bloggers on the Rail, PPA
2009 World Series of Poker – Poker Players Alliance
Posted by AlCantHang | Filed under Bloggers on the Rail
On Monday morning, the Poker Players Alliance held a news conference in the Rio to give an update on the current state of poker related legislation and announce some new initiatives. John Pappas, Senator Alfonse D’Amato and Representative Shelley Berkely spoke briefly. Rep. Berkely gave a recap of how former Senator Bill Frist rammed the UIEGA through Congress attached to the Port Security Bill, a bill that was a sure-fire lock to pass, and the only way to sneak it past the voters. Rep. Berkely was the only member of the House to make her way to the floor to make her feelings known on this shady move.
They also highlighted several new plans in the works in Congress. Rep. Menedez on New Jersey has introduced a bill which looks to define and provide an exemption for “games of skill” on the internet to include poker. It would be the second go round for the bill but provides much needed debate on the issue. PPA Champion Barney Frank continues his fight to completely overturn the UIEGA and it appears there might be a Finance Committee hearing in the very near future.
PPA Executive Director John Pappas highlighted several new plans to bring attention to our cause in front of US leaders of Congress and the country.
He announced creation of the National Poker Week to take place after WSOP play wraps for the summer. From July 19th to the 25th, poker players both professional and amateur are encouraged to make a trek to Washington, DC to meet with their local representatives in Congress voicing concerns and support for our game. If unable to make the trip, players can still email their congressman. Information can be found at the National Poker Week or Poker Players Alliance websites.
During that week, the Poker Players Alliance will meet with President Obama on this issue and plan to present him with a petition signed by players. The petition states:
“What’s most important to me is your support for my rights. Please: 1) exempt poker from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and 2) license and regulate internet poker in the US. 3) Respect the rights of law-abiding Americans who love to play this great game of skill.”
All players can sign the petition online at PokerPetition.com, nearly 50,000 players have signed since the launch on Monday. Make your voice heard, sign the petition.
After the press conference, Senator D’Amato took his seat in the Seniors Event for his first ever WSOP tournament and Rep. Berkely was given the honor to say the traditional start of tournament instructions “shuffle up and deal!”
Popularity: 44% [?]
Tags: 2009 World Series of Poker, AlCantHang, Bloggers on the Rail, PPA, WSOP
